Inflatable ball adventure turns into beachside rescue drama
Dramatic scenes unfolded on Ubatuba beach in São Paulo. A strong wind swept away an inflatable ball with an 8-year-old boy inside. At one point, the ball struck rocks and began to deflate. Fortunately, a tragedy was averted thanks to a witness's quick response.
Horror on the beach: The wind swept away an inflatable ball containing an 8-year-old boy—aRede portal reports on the dramatic moments in Brazil. The boy and his relatives enjoyed aqua zorbing, a pastime where participants get inside an inflatable ball to walk on water seemingly.
Sadly, while the boy enjoyed this activity, the rope securing the ball snapped. The wind pushed the ball away from the shore, leading to a dramatic struggle to save the child from the ocean.
Dangerous walk in the forest. After the discovery, he called the services
Fortunately, Rafael Graça was in the right place at the right time. While sailing his boat, he noticed the ball with the boy trapped inside.
I was worried about whether he was able to breathe or not because the balls can be dangerous. There is a certain amount of time that you can breathe inside it - Rafael Graça said in an interview with "The Mirror".
The ball hit the rocky shore, puncturing it and allowing water to seep in. Thankfully, the 32-year-old witness managed to reach the 8-year-old quickly. The boy was frightened but still able to breathe. Rafael had to act decisively yet carefully: the ball could take on more water at any moment and couldn't be opened. However, with the help of a rope, they successfully pulled it in. The boy was brought to shore, where his anxious relatives were waiting. Karoline Magalhães from the Marine Firefighters Group noted that such balls should be used in swimming pools, not open waters.
This type of toy is new to us on the beaches. It comes from pool environments, and now we're beginning to encounter issues because the wind can easily blow this ball away - she stated.
Visitors are now warned that such attractions can be very dangerous to both health and life.
